President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović also stated that Croatia and Serbia have the duty to foster amicable neighbourly relations in the interest and well-being of the Croatian and Serbian people in both nations and stability of Southeastern Europe
The victory of Alka contestant Ante Zorica rounded up on Sunday in Vukovar, the largest town on the eastern border with Serbia, the festive Sinj Alka was held in memory of the defenders of Vukovar and all of Croatia. It was only the fourth time in over 300 years of its existence that it was held outside of Sinj. The event saw thousands of visitors as well as Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, whose address noted issues faced by Croatian society and mentioned relations with Serbia, stating that she is in favour of the two nations drawing a line and building better relations, 24sata reported on May 6, 2017.
“Just like we did not and will not forget the past, we also do not wish to be trapped in it. We expect the same from Serbia. We need to stop going back to World War II and sow the seeds of new evils. We want to go forward and look toward the future and this is why, from Vukovar, I send a very clear message: the Republic of Croatia wants to build amicable neighbourly relations with the Republic of Serbia, we want to help Serbia join the EU as soon as possible,” said Grabar-Kitarović, also noting that neither of the nations needs to feign friendship. She also stated that both Croatia and Serbia have the duty to foster amicable neighbourly relations in the interest and well-being of the Croatian and Serbian people in both nations and stability of Southeastern Europe.
“It is time for Croatia and Serbia to draw a line and begin constructing relations of mutual respect,” said the President. Mentioning an unsolved issue with Serbia, she cited the matter of missing and captive persons, the jurisdiction of Serbia, border issues and the rights of Croats in Serbia. Regarding the current political situation in Croatia, she said that Croatia must become a politically stable state where issues will be resolved in a responsible and constructive manner with the best possible compromise. She said the issues facing Croatia are demographic regeneration, education reform, employment and the right to fair compensation, the necessity to de-block 330 thousand citizens, a homeland security system and the need to change, as she stated, the unjust foreclosure law.
She noted if the GDP and economy are growing, then that must be felt on the income and the standards of Croatian citizens. The President was also the patron the festive Sinj Alka, thanking the defenders of Vukovar and Croatia and stating that Vukovar and Sinj are two towns with two battles, but with one shared patriotism and love for the homeland. She gifted the winner of the festive Alka, Ante Zorica, with a golden ring with the Croatian coat of arms and sabre.
The competition saw 17 alkars watched by 5.000 spectators. Joining the President were Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and numerous Ministers, the Croatian member of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency Dragan Čović, Vukovar Mayor Ivan Penava, Vukovar-Srijem Prefect Božo Galić and others.
